Happy Snacking, Don’t Die!
by Alexis Nikole Nelson
I enjoy Alexis Nikole Nelson’s adventures foraging in her videos under her alias The Black Forager so I was delighted to see that she was coming out with a cookbook filled with vegan recipes, Happy Snacking, Don’t Die!. Since my dad was a biology teacher we would frequently go on nature walks when I was child and one of my favorite moments was always in summer when the mulberry trees would be ripe and we’d get to sample the juicy berries. Mulberries are one of the featured plants that Nelson discusses along with some of my other favorite tasty treats that can be found in nature including: violets, morels, roses and black walnuts. The book begins with some tips such as useful tools and places to avoid while foraging. Then it breaks down items to forage during each of the four seasons with a description of what they look like as well as a few recipes to use with items such as acorn flour, dock crepes, and crab apple jelly. One of the reason I enjoy Nelson’s videos is her fun humor and ability to make foraging seem accessible, which is also seen in the text of the book, making it a fun read even if you aren’t yet ready to get foraging yourself. Of course I would recommend always being cautious when foraging since you have to worry about toxic look-a-likes and possible contamination of plants from pollutants or insecticides; consider doing additional research and seek out expert advice.
The Pumpkin Vice Cafe
by Ellie Alexander
The Pumpkin Vice Cafe is the 23rd book into Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Mystery series about Jules, the owner and baker at her family’s business. I found it easy to jump into the story even without having read previous books in the series since Alexander does a nice job of setting up who the various characters are and the dynamic between them. This a fun cozy mystery that kept me guessing about who the killer of her friend’s wedding planner was since the story was filled with plenty of suspicious characters. There is also some added drama that Jules, the owner and a baker at the inn is pregnant so there is suspense about when she will be due. I plan to check out some of the previous books when I’m in the mood for a cozy mystery read and I’m looking forward to the next book which comes out in 2027 which will feature Lance and Arlo’s wedding!
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
